MSc Environmental Protection and Management

This course teaches how to devise and implement strategies that protect and conserve environments facing a wide range of threats.

Location: Edinburgh
Study mode: Full-time
Subject Area: Environment, Conservation and Sustainability
Department: Environment and Countryside
Start Date: September 2021

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Course overview

Human activities have become an increasingly significant factor for the Earth’s biosphere system. Our use of natural resources, deforestation and soil erosion, the release of potentially toxic compounds and pathogens, and the increase in greenhouse gases are all examples of pressures that have potentially serious consequences for humanity and other life on Earth. This course gives you a fundamental understanding of these issues.

You will develop a scientific understanding of some of the major processes influencing the quality of land, air and water resources, and learn about the most effective methods of environmental protection.

You'll also develop expertise in the design and implementation of programmes of environmental protection, and have the opportunity to study the integrated protection and management of particular ecosystems or resources.

The course provides an in-depth knowledge of natural resource management and the processes that cause environmental degradation and pollution problems. So it helps you play a vital role in protecting and conserving our environment, in Europe and beyond.

This programme is a collaboration between Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

Got a question? Get in touch

Elspeth Martin, Postgraduate Academic Administrator
Phone: +44 (0)131 535 4198
Email: elspeth.martin@sruc.ac.uk

Alistair Hamilton, Programme Director
Phone: +44 (0) 131 535 4066
Email: Alistair.Hamilton@sruc.ac.uk

Entry requirements

Preferably a UK honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in a biological, environmental or physical science, or geography, engineering, economics or other relevant subject.

Evidence of English proficiency.

Meet the lecturer

John Holland

A lecturer for 26 years, John's PhD covered plant herbivore interactions.

John has always had an interest in and passion for ecology and natural history, particularly in mountain environments. His main research interests are in upland ecosystem services, hill grasslands, agri-environmental management, and farm woodlands and agroforestry.

A guest lecturer for various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, John lectures at the Riverside and Edinburgh campuses and to visiting students at the SRUC farm.

View John's Pure profile

What you'll learn

The MSc consists of 6 taught modules — three compulsory and three elective — followed by a period of dissertation project work.

The three compulsory modules are Atmospheric Quality and Global Change, Land Use/Environmental Interactions and Professional and Research Skills in Practice. You'll choose your elective modules from a wide range of options provided by the University of Edinburgh and SRUC.

There is also a week-long study tour in the Spring, which is an integral part of the programme. Past tours have visited France, Greece, Israel and Morocco.

Find out more about what you'll learn on The University of Edinburgh website.

Modules

MSc Environmental Protection and Management

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Find out more about studying at SRUC

Find out about funding and fees, coming to visit our campuses and where you can find our full prospectus.

Fees and funding

Funding is available to help you complete your studies, including bursaries to pay your tuition fees and loans to help with maintenance and travel costs.

Fees and funding

Open days

Although our campuses are currently closed, you can still find out about life and learning at SRUC by joining one of our virtual open days.

Open days and events

Download our prospectus

Find out more about all of the courses we have on offer at SRUC.

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